Monday, January 28, 2013

EoW DVD

End of Watch was released on DVD last week. Good time for a couple of new old interviews from EoW promotion:

You can also peruse product notes from Studio Canal, who handled the UK release:

Gyllenhaal, who also served as an executive producer on the film, was deeply committed to the project for five months where he underwent extensive police training and preparation for the role. “Jake’s an incredible actor, so unbelievably committed,” said Lesher. “He’s tough. He’s vulnerable when he needs to be. He really stepped up his game for this film. He’s been the captain of the acting team, getting everyone on board and extensively rehearsing with this cast. He’s also a great partner as a producer, giving it 150 percent. He has incredible access to different people and things.”

“After I read the script, I had a strong instinct that Ayer had just raised the stakes to the highest level for this genre. I began thinking why hadn’t anyone else ever made a film like this before,” said Gyllenhaal. “It’s a fine line between whether you’re going to be able to transpose a script that reads like a YouTube clip, into a fulfilling cinematic experience. And Ayer does.”

We've read and heard a lot if it before, but it's still interesting to flip through. The disc has many deleted scenes, including variations on the end of the movie, though not in the emotional detail I was expecting. Sadly, there are no deleted scenes with Brian and Janet alone, either. (Im speaking of the standard DVD; not sure if the blu ray release offers more. I haven't listened to the David Ayer commentary yet, but here are a couple of rough copies of deleted scenes:

351 comments:

i didn't sleep very well last night because I watched a movie called End of Watch, which, despite what you might think, has absolutely nothing to do with timepieces becoming obsolete. The movie was awesome, but I got so emotionally attached to the 2 main characters, and I was soooo stressed out by the end, that I couldn't relax and drag my ass into slumber land. Add to that the fact that Jake Gyllenhaal was in the movie, and Jake Gyllenhaal makes me feel funny in my nethers, and you have the perfect recipe for an annoying night. All you want to do is go to sleep so you can program your dreams to the Gyllenhaal channel, but you CAN'T sleep because of the stress. I wish the movie had been about nobody wearing watches anymore. Then I coulda slept. I probably would have even slept DURING the movie. As long as it didn't star Jake Gyllenhaal.

As long as one of the Jake bloggers finds these photos, it's all good :)

I agree that the first scene was better done in the movie. I did like the part where Taylor said he wanted just to forget about it, and that Zavala admitted he didn't think about it - he just ran in.

But the delivery and the setting of the movie scene was better. I remember reading or hearing David Ayer say that cops told them they'd lean into refrigerators at convenience stores in order to get cool on hot days. I liked that detail.

Watching old and new EoW interviews (the King5 one was new to some extent) it’s becoming nostalgic for me nowadays. Knowing there are 3 new projects in the foreseeable future, EoW feels like a finished chapter (successful, yet completed) in Jake’s career, and I like being reminded of the dedication and passion they put into it, portraying the human beings behind and beyond the uniforms.

UV, thank you for the nostalgia. And for the "bootlegged" deleted scenes. I also prefer the setting of the original "do you feel like a hero/follow me into the house" scene and the whispered delivery.

I’m disappointed there are no Brian/Janet deleted scenes on the DVD. We know they have so much footage (a whole trip to Las Vegas), not to mention that the BTS youtube clip featured one deleted scene from the quinceanera…

The B&W pic with Jake in NY a couple of weeks ago warms my heart. It's the smile...

P.S. May I address some thoughts and tidbits from the comments in the previous post?

Oh, that's a nice one. I have a few stray play photos that will make it into a post one of these days. I'll add that one. I miss the play! I wonder if Jake does.

Laure, please feel free to elaborate on the discussion from any post. No need to ask :)

I get nostalgic for the promos as much as the movies sometimes, too. For EoW, I wish we had gotten more of Jake and Michael together, and any interview with Jake and Anna together.

And let's see, can we all still recite, "We went on ride-alongs three times a week, from 4:00OPM to 4:00AM in the morning. Tactical training, weapons training, fight training a couple of mornings a week at a dojo in Echo Park, run by a friend of David Ayer's..."

When I was looking for EoW stuff, I saw a lot of videos from L&OD promotion, one of my favorite tours.

We went on ride-alongs three times a week, from 4:00OPM to 4:00AM in the morning. Tactical training, weapons training, fight training a couple of mornings a week at a dojo in Echo Park, run by a friend of David Ayer's..."

Kudos UV for these finds , EOW is such a good movie and I love the tweets from people catching it for the. First time. David Ayres made a perfect choice when he went with his first choice. I hope they work together again.

Sorry for getting back to you a little late... I drifted first to Brokeback Mountain&Adele mash-up, watched a few more of those, got misty and utterly nostalgic, then changed the tune with Jake&Annie’s LAOD interviews, and couldn’t stop watching. They make you laugh, make you go "awww", it’s addictive...

OK, back to the previous discussions:

– The link provided by Hagen for the Variety article made for a very informative reading. And it led me to another one from the same Berlinale series: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118065099/

UV said: Hagen, thanks for that Variety article. It's nice to know Jake's hard work pays dividends. We know his international take is often higher than people acknowledge, though EoW didn't perform too well.

That’s exactly what the above article states:

"Exclusive CEO Nigel Sinclair notes that when a top-drawer cast gravitates towards a script, it not only gives distribs some marquee value to sell, but acts as a reassuring endorsement of the material's merit. (...) Sinclair identifies three types of casting that drive sales. 'First, when you've got a lead who's a must-buy, like Jake Gyllenhall in 'End of Watch.' He's a very big star internationally, he really works his films, he's very popular and considered a fine actor. Second, when two plus two equals five -- Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Pete Postlethwaite and Rebecca Hall in 'The Town' -- that's a cast which tells any intelligent person it's a film worth seeing. And third, a retro cast, like in 'The Expendables' or 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'."

Prompted by UV’s: The problem with ZDT's torture scenes is that the implication is that the information gleaned was good and that it led to finding Bin Laden. If that's true, then it should be shown. But there's no public evidence of that. And Bigelow should be able to say why she depicted things that way.

I haven’t had the chance to see it yet (next month probably), but I’ve read several reviews. A very favorable one, written by The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw, addresses the movie’s controversial neutral approach to torture scenes by making an interesting comparison to "Rendition":

"There is nothing in Zero Dark Thirty comparable to Gavin Hood's soul-searching 2007 movie Rendition, in which Jake Gyllenhaal's CIA agent denounces waterboarding information as valueless; he quotes Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and says torture victims 'speak upon the rack,/ where men enforced do speak anything'."

Although he continues: "I can well believe that, but (....) despite its fence-sitting, I prefer Bigelow's account", it doesn’t take away the complimentary reference to "Rendition".

We need details from these tweeters, but so far, Atlantans are doing a good job :)

Tweety, it's so much fun to read the EoW reactions on twitter and FB. Lots of love for the movie and the leads. It's a shame it didn't translate into any awards.

Laure, thanks for that new link. Very interesting indeed. Love to hear that about Jake. Now if more people would catch on...

As for ZDT, I think the problem is that Bigelow's take isn't seen as neutral, since she seemingly altered the facts to make torture seem more effective than it was. So you wonder why they chose to depict things that way.

Personally, it doesn't matter to me if it works or not. It's wrong, period.

I saw that about Rendition and was glad to read it. One of the most misunderstood and unjustly panned films in recent years, IMO.

So one of the movie guys from 'Prisoners' just left treats on my porch rail for my Doggies as thanks for keeping them quiet; while Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman film a movie less than 200 ft away from my house! :D

I'm kind of torn about that, Sasha. I always love photos of Jake at work, but it was kind of obvious when he was in Toronto, that not being able to secure the movie set could be very distracting for them. OTOH, a lot of the EoW photos seemed to tie in really well with the eventual marketing of the movie.

I wish there were pictures of his down time, and I really enjoy it when we find the little stories people post about their experiences with him on set and off. : )

Jake's availability, and all the great fan photos during the run of the play really spoiled us.

Awww Jake you should have hugged her but she could have been a psycho too.

As for Anne, I think the stupid backlash against her may help her in the end but I still say the Academy Awards will be a let down for both Anne and Jennifer in the end. I wonder how many of those older Academy members really vote in the SAG awards?

Lincoln will win the Oscar, Steven and company deserve it. Argo will be shut down because of the "poor me" Ben Affleck.

Two of the best performances of the year were given by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña in David Ayer's vibrant L.A. cop drama "End of Watch," but their work has been largely overlooked. Fortunately, Peña is in the running for an Independent Spirit Award as Best Supporting Actor.

The Jake Gyllenhaal-Michael Pena cop drama knocks "Taken 2" to No. 2.Universal Studios Home Entertainment topped both national home video sales charts the week ending Jan. 27 with End of Watch, a $41 million-grossing cop drama, shot documentary style, that hit the big screen late last summer and stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena as two young police officers, partners as well as friends, who grow up fast on the crime-filled streets of L.A.

The film bumped the prior week’s top seller, 20th Century Fox’s Taken 2, to the No. 2 spot on both the Nielsen VideoScan First Alert sales chart, which tracks overall disc sales, and Nielsen’s dedicated Blu-ray Disc sales chart...

UV, I couldn't connect with the characters and story of Les Miserables. Not having dialogue was one of the biggest problems for me.I give credit to Anne Hathaway for what she did. It's a great job, despite being all too fast. I also liked Eddie and Hugh.

Not deserved Oscar nomination for best film.

Scott, I think everything depends on the BAFTA.If Jessica win there ...We also have to remember that Riva and Wallis weren't nominated for Sag. And not always who wins the SAG wins the Oscar. Viola Davis won the SAG, but lost the Oscar to Meryl Streep. Nicole Kidman and Marion Cotillard won the Oscar without winning the SAG.The difference is that Jen has Harvey. And Jessica has a polemic against her.

Anne will be the winner. Without a doubt.

Argo will be shut down because of the "poor me" Ben Affleck.Article on the campaign of Argo and Lincoln

Thanks so much for the new/old interviews and footage UV, great find. I Have my DVD, it's sucg an incredible and intense movie with awese performances by Jake and Michael. Too bad it didn't get any awards luv.

I feel the same about Les Miz too Monica plus the direction was a mess. Anne was good with the amount of screen time

7:44am. I hate to say this but damn Jake is actually hot there. He would bring sexy to old guys with long beards. COngrats to Duncan Jones for being named the 3rd director for Witchcraft, although it may never happen.

I doubt Jake would do another video game movie adapation. Although I am sure everyone outside of North AMerican would love a POP sequel.

I agree 9:25. I'm confused why people would think he's playing the poor poor pitiful me card. I think the media might be more at fault for shaming the Academy on behalf of Ben and the other overlooked directors.

Lol Monica, I doubt if Jake does another one of those anytime soon. I really want an original series for him, written with him in mind as lead character. Totally original with a great director.

OT: I saw alot of articles about the new Parkland project but I am not too interested in a movie about Parkland Hospital's personnel during JFK's death. I am really excited about the possibilites of Jake's Dad Stephen's new project about the secret service men who protected JFK and his family. I saw a documentary last weekend with those former agents speaking about their time with JFK and family and specifically that day. They held my attention throughout the 2 hours.

The agents told their own back story and what their own families had to give up. I thought about Stephen's project, it could be great.

Again I doubt if Jake would work for his Dad and I know that Eastwood starred in a movie about one of the agents a long time ago, but the documentary was about all of them not just one.

Cool for Europe at least, I wonder what the deal is with North American. I hope An Enemy is released overseas first any way.

I think Jake's popularity in foreign markets could be used to bolster box office in North America. I wonder if POP would have done better in North America if released first overseas and then perhap the movie could have benefited from being promoted as the number 1 film overseas.

I think Jake's popularity in foreign markets could be used to bolster box office in North America.

I don't think that strategy could work. "An Enemy" will probably be a niche arthouse movie in Europe, too. Maybe the film will be somewhat more successful in Europe (and in Brazil) than in the U.S., because it is based on a book by Saramago.

I wonder if POP would have done better in North America if released first overseas and then perhap the movie could have benefited from being promoted as the number 1 film overseas.

Movies like "Battleship" and "John Carter" were released overseas first. Foreign distributors tried to escape from the negative PR surrounding the foreseeable flop in the U.S. But "John Carter's" huge success in Russia didn't have any impact on U.S. box office.

Hagen of course not a blockbuster but still, we cannot know the potentialities of the movie without not even having seen a second of it. Who could think that EOW became a film hailed by the criticism , opened in first position to the US BO and it received such a love from the people

I think that it is difficult to say now what this film can be or to become.JMHO :)

"I think that it is difficult to say now what this film can be or to become.JMHO :)"

I agree FP, I had this whole rebuttal typed out in response to Hagen's statement but decided I was just repeating what I have said before. So why bother? In fact, why does Jake even bother to do films if they are doomed before they are even seen. Sometimes if negativity is thrown out in the universe it sticks.

And yes I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but have a little faith if not in Jake's choice of material then in Denis V who is a respected director with exciting potential.

Totally agree Scott, I also have trust in Jake's choices, Ok he has mistaken some films, but who is always right?And the correct choices, are a lot more than those wrong, and some are so RIGHT that worth, not one but three careers as an actor.

In fact, why does Jake even bother to do films if they are doomed before they are even seen. Sometimes if negativity is thrown out in the universe it sticks.

Nobody has said that "An Enemy" is doomed. First of all Jake made an artistic, not a commercial choice to star in "An Enemy". Of course small arthouse movies have a right to exist, too. Apart from that "An Enemy" doesn't have to gross a lot of money to be profitable. The movie is sponsored by Canadian film subsidies which makes it even easier. And the producers have already sold the distribution rights for a lot of countries. So I don't see any negativity.

Are celebrities taking over trendy workouts like SoulCycle and Flywheel?

Actor Jake Gyllenhaal has even been known to hop up on an instructor's bike during SoulCycle classes at Union Square.

Both studios are quick to point out most celebrity-taught classes are for charity, so students know what they're getting into when they sign up. But some spin fans are wary of the disturbance a famous face can bring.

"I've heard stories from friends that it's kind of distracting if there are celebrities there and other people are paying attention, whispering," said New Yorker and SoulCycle addict Catherine Fuentes, who's spotted Gyllenhaal in a couple of her classes.

"I don't think it's something I'd sign up for. I just sort of want to get my workout in and leave."

Hagen thank you for the distribution information for Prisoners, and for your observations about the vagaries of the market place. : ) You always share such good information and it is appreciated.

No one can predict which small films catch fire in the public consciousness. I am looking forward to Enemies. Not sure who would distribute it in the U.S. market,(or how well it will be promoted. : ) )

Yes, FP, the King's Speech was a small movie, an art house movie, if you will, but it had the backing of Harvey Weinstein and it caught the public imagination.

As I said, there is no accounting for the vagaries of the marketplace. EoW was marketed well and is still enjoying a level of enthusiasm.

It's a shame Jake hasn't received recognition from his peers for the extraordinary job he & Michael & David Ayer did.

EoW was a wonderful surprise. It exceeded all my expectations. I wasn't excited about it at first, & now I've come to love it. I can't say that about every movie Jake's made : ) But I can say I've never seen him give a bad performance.

He's meticulous in his preparation no matter what kind of project he choses, large or small. He respects the work, and that is something to be admired. The accolades will come.

the King's Speech was a small movie, an art house movie, if you will, but it had the backing of Harvey Weinstein and it caught the public imagination

True Bobbyanna but Brokeback was a a low budget controversial art house movie too, that turn out to be a masterpiece,and also a commercial success and a film that it will ever go away from the heart of the people even without Weinstein.JMO

PS I want to add me in the appreciation of Hagen, that always brings precious and interesting information, and for his/her important contribution to the discussions :)

I have quoted the The King's Speech because I think that it is a marvelous film, full of Talent, especially from the actors. I don't know if without Harvey W it would have had the same prizes but I like to think yes, because in conclusion I hope that talent wins over everything, as in fact is happening with Lincoln Le Miz and just against one of Harvey's movie.Bobbyanna you are right it is impossible to make forecasts, but between the pessimism and the optimism I choose the optimism, as I have already said I have trust in Jake's talent.Bobbyanna you are right it is impossible to make forecasts, but between the pessimism and the optimism I choose the optimism, as I have already said I have trust in Jake 's talent. Maybe I have not loved all of his films equally, but I have always loved and recognized his not common talent :)

Gross, David Fincher is directing Justin Timberlake's new music video. Sorry never was a fan of FIncher and this just nails the coffin shut. I will never watch any of his movies again even if Jake does the unthinkable and does another movie with him.

I wish for Jake the full spectrum of movies: bold indies, fun comedies, good thrillers and major blockbusters. I think he's making the choices he wants. But I bet he'd like to be offered some of the big-name projects out there. It doesn't feel like he's getting them. And that's a shame.

EXCLUSIVE: Panorama Media, the production, finance and sales entity backed by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures, has boarded road trip drama Mississippi Grind. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are directing from their own script with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ben Mendelsohn starring. The pair play unlikely gamblers on a winning streak who head to New Orleans and along the way encounter old flames, loan sharks and some bad bets, but ultimately discover what’s really important in their lives. Gyllenhaal is producing along with Jamie Patricof and Lynette Howell of Electric Entertainment and John Lesher of Le Grisbi Productions. Shooting starts in the spring and Panorama will kick off sales at the EFM in Berlin next week.

EXCLUSIVE: Panorama Media, the production, finance and sales entity backed by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures, has boarded road trip drama Mississippi Grind. Half Nelson duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are directing from their own script with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ben Mendelsohn starring. The pair play unlikely gamblers on a winning streak who head to New Orleans and along the way encounter old flames, loan sharks and some bad bets, but ultimately discover what’s really important in their lives. I understand Emmett/Furla are financing the roughly $10M pic which Gyllenhaal is producing along with Jamie Patricof and Lynette Howell of Electric Entertainment and John Lesher of Le Grisbi Productions. Randall Emmett and George Furla will also be involved in a producing capacity. Shooting starts in the spring and Panorama will kick off sales at the EFM in Berlin next week.

It's been a long day of travel and work - but two good things - spending time with Elizabeth Norman and having Jake Gyllenhaal sitting in first class - oh and one more thing - Chilli's has a good glass of Chardonnay - a healthy pour at a good price "good to know" — com Elizabeth Norman.

OMG. Even the ugliest film star is ten times more attractive than the best looking guy who went to your high school. I bet he was in decent shape too.

some of the best chest hair in the business

What a distraction!!! Were you able to complete the class?

Yes to all the above. It did energize me. He was a very good spinner! Much better looking than most of the men in any high school. Best chest and head of hair in the business. He wore a headband to keep it off his face. And it was a complete distraction from the agony of the first spin class in 2 years. I ended up buying the package of classes. Best advertising a spin class could dream of.

This thread made my day!

I saw this description of Mississippi Grind in a story about Berlin. I don't remember this exact description though it might have been out there.

The Megan Ellison-financed film, written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, sees Gyllenhaal and Mendelsohn play ”unlikely gamblers on a winning streak who head to New Orleans and along the way encounter old flames, loan sharks and some bad bets, but ultimately discover what’s really important in their lives.”

Not sure who would distribute it in the U.S. market,(or how well it will be promoted. : ) )

"Blindness", an adaptation of Saramago's same-titled best known book, was released in 1,690 theaters in North America in 2008. But "Blindness" had a higher budget ($25 million) than "An Enemy" and finally didn't do well at the box office ($3.3 million). For that reason I think "An Enemy" will probably open in less theaters, but hopefully it won't get just a platform release in New York and LA.

EoW was a wonderful surprise. It exceeded all my expectations. I wasn't excited about it at first, & now I've come to love it

EoW is definitely one of Jake's movies that I'm looking forward to watching again, even though the final 20 minutes of the movie were uncomfortable to watch the first time.

PS I want to add me in the appreciation of Hagen, that always brings precious and interesting information, and for his/her important contribution to the discussions :)

But between the pessimism and the optimism I choose the optimism, as I have already said I have trust in Jake's talent.

Maybe I have more modest expectations for "An Enemy's" commercial success than you, but I think it's quite an achievement that the movie will be released worldwide (even in markets that didn't screen EoW).

Shooting starts in the spring and Panorama will kick off sales at the EFM in Berlin next week.

I'm glad to learn that they try to market "Mississippi Grind" internationally. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's latest movie was released only in the US an the UK.

The Megan Ellison-financed film, written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, sees Gyllenhaal and Mendelsohn play ”unlikely gamblers on a winning streak who head to New Orleans and along the way encounter old flames, loan sharks and some bad bets, but ultimately discover what’s really important in their lives.

It certainly doesn't hurt that Jake will star in a lighter movie for a change. : )

Variety : "Financiers who factor in a potentially limited or compressed window release on specialty fare shrink budgets to accommodate those possibilities, but when a film turns out better than expected, it can have a pleasant upside. "If you're selling a film (overseas) without a built-in U.S. release, and it's not the type of film where you are essentially saying 'this will go wide or have some kind of 600-plus-screen release,' then you have to take that into account in your foreign values," says Marc Schipper, COO of financier/sales agent Exclusive Media. "It puts pressure on the budget, but we've made quite a bit of hay out of making movies that play in this area from a downside risk perspective (and have a larger-than-expected) theatrical. The best example of that is 'End of Watch.' It was made for a very sensible budget, and our foreign buyers were delighted when the film got a wide release, because they hadn't anticipated it." Open Road picked up the reportedly $7 million cop drama "Watch" starring Jake Gyllenhaal, launching a 2,730-screen release last September that grossed $41 million."

Apparently foreign distributors of EoW didn't have to pay much for their licence, as it wasn't certain from the beginning that EoW would get a wide release in the US.

Thanks for the article, Hagen. It makes me wonder how films do over seas,that are so specific to American audience sensibilities. I had that concern about EoW even tho the story is about friendship which is universal, and crime which is also universal. : )

Right now, I am thinking about "Lincoln". I guess I can check BO Mojo to see how it did overseas. It's always good to hear the views of GB's overseas fans on that subject.

(Jake's off to an early start today. : ) FYI: The DGA Awards were last night and Ben Affleck won for Argo. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out at the OScars for Best Picture and Best Director.)

J.Jin ‏@jyjinDear spin gods, thank you for pushing me out of bed this morning........@i_love_chicken_ Casper, I literally ran into his sweaty bicep and he stopped to make sure that I was ok. No need for pics....swoon.

Jake Gyllenhaal is in town filming Prisoners and has been spotted at the West Midtown Yeah! Burger, where he ordered a bunless bison burger, and at Watershed on Peachtree, where he had the jambalaya and coconut cake, among other dishes. Send all celeb sightings through the tipline. [EaterWire]

It makes me wonder how films do over seas,that are so specific to American audience sensibilities. I had that concern about EoW even tho the story is about friendship which is universal, and crime which is also universal. : )

I think the story of EoW is indeed universal. The audience in Germany reacted positively on EoW, even though police work looks quite different over here. Nevertheless David Ayer's previous L.A. cop drama "Street Kings" was considerably more successful overseas than EoW ($39 million compared to $13 million), as that movie was released on much more screens than EoW in most countries. Apparently Fox Searchlight pushed "Street Kings" more actively than the various independent distributors did with EoW.

Right now, I am thinking about "Lincoln". I guess I can check BO Mojo to see how it did overseas. It's always good to hear the views of GB's overseas fans on that subject.

The guys at the Boxoffice.com forum can't agree whether "Lincoln" is doing great internationally or is flopping. ;) Considering that it is a specifically American movie (more so than EoW), I think it's doing fine so far.

FYI: The DGA Awards were last night and Ben Affleck won for Argo. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out at the OScars for Best Picture and Best Director.

It looks like some directors, who didn't nominate Ben Affleck for an Academy Award, voted for him at the DGA Awards. Very strange indeed.

Duncan JonesAsked who actually uses Bing .......... people who want money to make their movie look better use Bing. ;)

Well, that's honest. ;)

I want to als thank Hagen, your contributions and updates are awesome!

Thanks, SAG actor, but admittedly it's easy to pick up some news and spread them on UV's blog unlike writing a blog like UV, Monica and Sasha do. ;) And fortunately there are quite a few people on this blog who gather news about Jake.

"An Enemy" will be released in the French-speaking districts of Switzerland on August 28, 2013, on the same day as in France, which is hardly a surprise. Anyway it's very unlikely that "An Enemy" will be shown at the Venice Film Festival, which will open on the same day (August 28 - September 7, 2013). Hopefully that means that the movie will premiere in Cannes.

Hmm I wonder what is taking so long for a North American distributor if the intent is to get one before the movie plays at film festivals. Don't films sometimes get an American distributor after playing at festivals?

This film doesn't yet have an American distributor, right?So, I think these release dates will change.

I don't think that the American distributor of "An Enemy" will have an influence on the release dates in Europe. "Cosmopolis", a Canadian-French co-production, premiered in Cannes last year and was released in many European countries before its U.S. release, even though the movie is based on an American novel. It's unlikely that "An Enemy" would get a boost in Europe by a release in the U.S. Saramago is more popular in Europe than in North America. Melanie Laurént is a star in France, not in the U.S. Besides the French distributor of "An Enemy" (Pathé) is the same company that sells the international distribution rights.

it's easy to pick up some news and spread them on UV's blog unlike writing a blog like UV, Monica and Sasha do

Thanks Hagen, but people like you, who post news in one place make it a lot easier for me. Besides my job and my family, I would not have the time to search the net for news too.

In Germany we should be used to wait for Jake's movies by now. Bubble Boy (the first movie I ever "saw" Jake in) took 2 years, same as "The Good Girl".An even "Brothers" took more then 2 years to be released.I really hope "An Enemy" will make a quicker debut.

It's nice that there are so many sightings of Jake, a few more pictures would be nice though.

Excuse my absence of late. Work took over the week and the weekend. I'm catching up on Jake's news, thus thank you for these posts. It took me quite some time to read them all. :)For now, my little contribution (not news per se, still better than coming here empty-handed):

- Another sighting of Jake in Atlanta, his temporary southern "home away from home". If it's not a spin class, a clothing store or a food market, it's "The Optimist": "More Jake Gyllenhaal sightings: A tipster writes in to inform us that the actor has been spotted at the Optimist four times in the last two weeks, most recently last night. [EaterWire]"Mardi Gras is coming, so maybe he'll decide to take part in the fun festivities... and we'll get one tiny, tiny glimpse of Jake captured on camera!

- More proof of Jake's humble approach to his american theater debut. Last year he was offered a lead role on Broadway alongside Scarlett Johansson (eventually, the play, “Picnic”, ended up on...Roundabout Theater):

One play revival this season, “Picnic,” nearly did not make it to Broadway because Darren Bagert, its initial lead producer, could not get enough stars on board. He offered one role to Ms. Johansson, who declined, and talked to the movie stars Chris Evans and Jake Gyllenhaal about the male lead. He finally opted to produce the show with the nonprofit Roundabout Theater Company with lesser-known stars like Maggie Grace and Sebastian Stan in the lead roles.

He really loved that quirky, intimate British play and had no desire to be top dog, off or on Broadway. That self-effacing quality is so rare.

- Remember the Armstrong-movie discussion? We don't know if Jake is still interested in playing him; fact is, at the moment, J.J. Abrams (alongside Spielberg, Tom Hanks) and Jake (alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, Salma Hayek) are on opposite sides in the new "war" that, according to HR, divides Hollywood: the race for the mayor of LA.

I'm glad Jake chose as he did, but if you've ever seen the movie, Picnic, which is hilariously out of date now, in many ways, he'd have been a scorcher in the role made famous by William Holden. Scarlett would've made a good Madge.

I sincerely hope they didn't invite him to play "Alan." At least I think that's the character's name. The one played by Clift Roberson. Ugh.

Bobbyanna: No, I haven’t seen that movie; hope to see it someday, on TCM maybe. Thanks for all the details. "Handsome drifter" Jake/William Holden – I can imagine: slicked-back hair and all. Even more so Scarlett/Kim Novak. Cliff Robertson – no way! :)

Thanks FP: The "news" are kinda dry at the moment. The picture you posted though – great finding! Beautiful company...on both parts :) Go Jake! Have fun!

I love that even on what should have been a slow week (no official appearances, just Jake splitting time between work and fun, settling in just fine) there are still plenty of things to talk about, and even some official news.

– Great news like EoW's DVD sales going strong, as in #1 in sales charts! Which made me think: what if EoW could become an almost-cult movie (we’re not talking "Donnie Darko" status)...

– Surprising news like "Mississippi Grind" being marketed at the Berlinale EFM 4 months before the actual start of the production! I also love the new description: "Unlikely gamblers on a winning streak who head to New Orleans and along the way encounter old flames, loan sharks and some bad bets". Hopefully the old flame scenario will apply to the younger character ;). I don't expect it to be a light movie (more like a soulful character study), yet definitely lighter than EoW, An Enemy or Prisoners.

– I followed the twitter session with Duncan Jones, and appreciated his acknowledgment that Jake chose him, not the other way around. What he wrote about Jake's "ape arms" amused me – a reminder of "Jarhead" interviews. I'm glad for Duncan's chance to become a BO success with "Warcraft" – later on, he can do his Nolan-ish mindbending movies with Jake! I've said it before: "Source Code" is one of my favorites. There are inconsistencies in the "scientific" explanations, but, as a SF, it doesn't have to make perfect (logical) sense. What I like the most though about SC is Jake's performance. Within the context of Colter's claustrophobic story, Duncan Jones made the most of Jake’s acting skills. (Yes, the last 20 minutes of EoW showed more – that story allowed Jake to use a wider spectrum of emotions, from cocky confidence to heartwrenching vulnerability.) Nevertheless, the pod scenes in "Source Code" were fantastic; Duncan pushed Jake artistically and, as a result, he found new ways of expressing confusion, fragility, anxiety, anger. Loved it.

Thanks to Hagen and UV, we know that "An Enemy" is slated for a French and a Swiss late August release, a Canadian fall release (most likely at TIFF), September for Russia, December for Brazil. We have other conflicting dates, but the Spanish sources don’t seem accurate (Abundie Bell? and the wrong composer?).

AE may have an early screening in the spring – hopefully Cannes – with different dates, starting from August 28, for its international release. I still believe that the best time for its US opening would be sometime in the fall.I checked Pathé’s portfolio, this time for Berlinale’s EFM. They'll have promo reels and screenings for some movies; "An Enemy" is still labeled "in post-production", no video presentation scheduled. (I wonder about CinéQuébec.) With UV's and Hagen's news that the score is added as we speek, it makes me think it’s not completed yet. They sure took their time to finesse it! Maybe 'cause they're preparing for a Cannes presence? If Thierry Frémaux doesn't chose it for competition, it could still have an hors concours screening. I think it's tailor-made for festivals and arthouses. (That's not to say it can’t do well in generic theatres.) As Scott pointed out, sometimes films get an American distributor after festival presentations. It could be the case with AE.For the US, they could be planning a somewhat limited release – then go from there, expanding, if successful. Even if it won't be the case, as long as AE makes a splash performance-wise, it will be OK. Jake will also have "Prisoners" around the same time. Which means he could have a winning combination: great BO numbers for "Prisoners" + high critical praise (and awards nominations eventually) for "An Enemy".

Even if some of his movies didn't turn out as expected, I like Jake’s choice of characters in the context of all these unusual (or just unusually told) stories. Great things could come from Jake's performance in "An Enemy". I can't be sure about the movie itself (will it be too artsy?), but I do trust Jake's talent. And I strongly believe that, under the right direction, Jake could be exceptional (as he has been in movies we all know). All he needs is a director willing to discover him as an actor. Jake is the proverbial still water that runs deep. He's much more than meets the eye: there are many hidden gems beyond the charming blue-eyed surface. With good scripts, guided by the right directors, Jake could make Hollywood take a bow (again). It will happen. Be it with "An Enemy", or "Mississippi Grind”, or with another movie, sooner or later, it will happen.

I think Warner Bros. is making sure that nothing transpires from the set. Good for the cast and crew, bad for us...

UV called it: I saw this tweet yesterday and am assuming it was An Enemy. Unless Prisoners is scoring before it films: "Recorded the film score today for a thriller starting #jakegyllenhaal too much fun, always wanted to record some scary strings".

Yep, it was for "An Enemy". Adriana Molello, the violonist, was asked and she answered:

Adriana Molello @DirtyDawn @mermon7 It was for #AnEnemy I played violin on the score. I can't wait to see it too, they said #jakegyllenhaal gives an epic performance.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? I assume they are the producers, and epic performance sure sounds encouraging. They may exaggerate a bit (or tell it as it is), but when was the last time Jake’s performance was described this way?... I’m thrilled.

Yeah, UV, it's Nemo when it heads East, but while it passes thru the Midwest it's just another "epic storm". Now they're saying 2-4 inches. ...meh. I did pick up a nice rotisserie chicken to keep me provisioned...: )

LOL! I've seen that "He'll never get a girlfriend" cartoon before and it always makes me smile.

but when was the last time Jake’s performance was described this way?...

Laure I personally think Jake gives an epic performance in Time To Dance,since he doesn't speak it's all in his ayes, Outstanding to me. But I don't know if some one called his performances "epic" JMO :)

Mermon is very cool she is a twitter master and she succeeds in snatching a lot of information, God Bless her as said UV :)

I have to say I can't wait for some images of An Enemy, more information I learn about this movie and more I'm getting intrigued...

I hope that all of you are safer from the storm, my prayers are for all the people in difficulty hoping for the best!:)

OONP, you take care! : ) Looks like we have about 6 inches here. It's still snowing but they said it will end this afternoon, right about the time the East Coast gets started. I don't mind at all not seeing Jake on set, but I do wish Atlanta tweeters would use their camera phones (discreetly of course,) when he's away from the set. : )

Thanks, Lara, for finding the photo on twitter. The other photobucket photo has been removed. Wish I'd had a chance to see it.

Well, hopefully all our East Coast GB'ers survived the blizzard. Some of the numbers I'm reading are just incredible. Winds topping 70 MPH and it's still snowing in Maine.

The governor shut down all the roads in CT. I read that Milford, CT got 38 inches of snow. Central Park measured about 11 inches last I heard, but other areas on Long Island got more. Of course people have been hit with power outages too.

Boston was really slammed, with at least 21 inches of snow, high winds, lots of power loss. In fact, I think MA, CT RI & ME, NH & VT got the worst of it.

Hopefully the snow will stop this after noon. Lots of tweets comparing this to TDAT. In fact, a satellite photo of the storm looked a lot like Jake's movie!

OK, I finally saw the photo. Thanks, Mermon. I was able to see it by clicking on your link. When I went thru GB the message said it had been deleted. When I went thru a Twitter search, I found it.He looked like he was still in character. Stern. The fan looked thrilled. Jake was being Det. Loki. LOL!

Disagree Monica, that facial expression does not read mad. There is an entire twitter conversation with Mermon7 about it. Jake was in character and to be honest if I did not know Jake was Jake I would think that picture was of a girlfriend very proud of her guy and the guy trying to look all tough and possessive of his lady. I don't see mad and I do not think Jake would have allowed her in his personal space if he was upset.

And don't think she was insistent either, based on her size I think Jake could have taken her down.

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Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake is the kind of guy who can do a spot-on impression of someone you work with. He plays guitar and has a great voice. Kids and dogs love him. He loves his mom and sister and girlfriend. He's perfect. Too bad he's ugly. ~ Natalie Portman